Chia-Yu Chen1,2, Yu-Hung Chen1,2, En-Li Shiau3, Hui-Lung Liang3, Hao-Sheng Chang2,4, Hung-Chih Chen1,4. 1. Department of Oromaxillofacial Surgery, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. 2. Department of Stomatology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. 3. Department of Radiology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. 4. Dental Laboratory Technology, Shu Zen College of Medicine and Management, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Chylous leakage is a well-recognized but rare complication of head and neck surgery, affecting approximately 1% to 2.5% of head and neck dissections. It is a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by electrolyte imbalance, immunosuppression, delayed wound healing, risk of infection, and generalized sepsis. Management can be problematic and prolonged. METHODS: We present a case of refractory cervical chylous leakage after neck dissection treated with ultrasound-guided intranodal lymphangiography. RESULTS: Ultrasound-guided intranodal lymphangiography alone resulted in rapid and complete resolution of chylous leakage with minimal morbidity. CONCLUSION: Based on our clinical experience and after a thorough literature review, we propose that ultrasound-guided intranodal lymphangiography with contrast agent could be considered a viable therapeutic option for persistent chylous leakages in selected patients.
BACKGROUND: Chylous leakage is a well-recognized but rare complication of head and neck surgery, affecting approximately 1% to 2.5% of head and neck dissections. It is a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by electrolyte imbalance, immunosuppression, delayed wound healing, risk of infection, and generalized sepsis. Management can be problematic and prolonged. METHODS: We present a case of refractory cervical chylous leakage after neck dissection treated with ultrasound-guided intranodal lymphangiography. RESULTS: Ultrasound-guided intranodal lymphangiography alone resulted in rapid and complete resolution of chylous leakage with minimal morbidity. CONCLUSION: Based on our clinical experience and after a thorough literature review, we propose that ultrasound-guided intranodal lymphangiography with contrast agent could be considered a viable therapeutic option for persistent chylous leakages in selected patients.